Xi’an

In 221 B.C., Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin dynasty established the first centralized feudal dynasty in China. After his death, he was buried at the north foot of Lishan Hill in the east of Lintong county. The tomb is a rammed-soil mound, 47m. high and its base is 485m.× 515m. In 1974, three large pits of terra-cotta figures were found 1.5 km. east of the mausoleum. Among the three, the largest one is pit No.1, covering 14,260 sq.m. The pit is divided into eleven corridors in which arrayed 38 columns of life-sized clay warriors, horses and chariots
Over 6,000 clay warriors could be assumedly unearthed from the pit if it would be completely excavated. This would be really an artistic reappearance of hundreds of Qin Shi Huang’s warriors. With its artistic momentum, it could be acclaimed a piece of great masterwork. The figures, life-likely shaped and colourfully painted, are of high artistic value. Now, a big arch-roofed exhibition hall is set up over Pit No.1 where the restored terra-cotta warriors and horses are on display.

The Xi’an City Wall is the best preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China. The original foundation of the Xi’an City Wall was based on the ruins of the Imperial City Wall of Chang’an City–the capital of the Tang Dynasty. Around the City Wall, there are jutting ramparts, sentry towers, corner towers, gate towers, battlements and a series of city defensive fortifications which were scientifically and compactly laid out with very strong defence capability.
It is beautiful and impressive during the daytime, but a knockout at night with the lighting of the walls and lanterns. Also, Try biking on the City Wall, you will have an enjoyable and interesting experience.

Shaanxi was the ancient imperial capital of China, having been the seat of more than 13 feudal dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties. The province is rich in cultural relics. With the completion of the Shaanxi History Museum, it collected over 370,000 precious relics which were unearthed in Shaanxi Province, including bronze wares, pottery figures, and mural paintings in Tang tombs. Since it was opened to the public in 1991, its architectural buildings, internal apparatus, and exhibits have made it famous as a first-class museum in China. The main part of the museum is composed of three sections: the General Exhibition Hall, the Local Themes Exhibition Hall and the Temporary Exhibition Hall. If you are interested in Chinese culture, there is the option of seeing a tomb murals exhibition for an extra charge.

The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian. The city, which was formerly known as Chang’an has a very long history and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all. The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful lifestyle of the period.
As an art form, the show has its roots in folk fetes, when dances were first performed by people as part of rituals of prayer for a good harvest or a better life. Over thousands of years, the dances developed from a few simple postures or gestures to become delicate and artistic reaching a peak during the Tang Dynasty. By combining poetry with the skilled playing of musical instruments, singing, dancing and also stunning costumes, the modern presentation is certain to give you an impressive view of ancient China including its splendid history, brilliant arts, distinct traditions and customs.

The pagoda was originally situated within the premises of the Temple of Motherly Kindness in the Jinchang Block in the Chang’an city of the Tang Dynasty. The Pagoda itself was built in 652 (third year of Yonghui of the Tang Emperor Gaozong). A square pyramid of blue brick, it is 64 meters high, with seven stories. It is simple in shape, and of good and lofty proportion. Preserved on the four stone doors in the base of the pagoda are exquisite engravings of the Tang.
Every night in Dayan Pagoda Northern Square dubbed the “largest musical fountain square in Asia", this beautiful symphony of water, music and light is set against a dramatic backdrop of the thousand-year-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Probably the best free attraction in Xian! Also, it is also a good place to see locals.